In a couple of weeks the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS) will hold discussions over whether to expand the show to four days.

Speaking yesterday, RUAS chief executive Colin McDonald said: "The numbers are on a par with last year at the minute, but it's a glorious afternoon - nice and cool and sunny.

"People are streaming in, the atmosphere is great and it's only going to get better as we get to the evening.

"There's a difference this year. In the past shows people came and did a bit of looking around and enjoying things and then left. Now they come and stay. It's wonderful to see families here enjoying themselves."

Mr McDonald added that the RUAS council was holding a meeting on June 3 to consider the proposals for a four-day show next year.

"It's a big move and it would be great to get it right, but it would be horrendous to get it wrong," he explained.

"The question is, how do you go for a day longer but still deal with the logistics of livestock and trade exhibits and the logistics of the show?"

Whatever the decision, Mr McDonald was very happy with Eikon Exhibition Centre, which he described as a great addition that allowed visitors to browse through the various stalls in comfort.

Pacemaker press 13/05/2016 All the fun of the fair as one of the biggest events on the farming calendar takes place at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park near Lisburn, Co Antrim. The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS)Õs annual show is 10% larger than last year. Pictured is Ryan Donaghey and Jack and Lisa Hood from Plum Bridge. Picture By: Arthur Allison Pacemaker Press

Pacemaker press 13/05/2016 All the fun of the fair as one of the biggest events on the farming calendar takes place at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park near Lisburn, Co Antrim. The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS)Õs annual show is 10% larger than last year. Pictured is Wendy and Gordon Smyth from Donegal. Picture By: Arthur Allison Pacemaker Press

13 May 2016 - Picture by Darren Kidd / Press Eye. First Minister Arlene Foster attended the final day of the Balmoral Show.
First Minister Arlene Foster pictured at the Balmoral Show with Andrew Boal and Jo Jordan from the Cancer Fund for Children

13 May 2016 - Picture by Darren Kidd / Press Eye. First Minister Arlene Foster attended the final day of the Balmoral Show.
First Minister Arlene Foster pictured at the Balmoral Show with Liz Birch from Armagh

13 May 2016 - Picture by Darren Kidd / Press Eye. First Minister Arlene Foster attended the final day of the Balmoral Show.
First Minister Arlene Foster pictured at the Balmoral Show with 2 year old Aimee Neill from Newtownabbey.

13 May 2016 - Picture by Darren Kidd / Press Eye. First Minister Arlene Foster attended the final day of the Balmoral Show.
The First Minister visited the Cooktown stand in the NI Food and Drink Pavilion and is pictured Gillian Cahoon, Wendy Donaldson and Helen Bell.

13 May 2016 - Picture by Darren Kidd / Press Eye. First Minister Arlene Foster attended the final day of the Balmoral Show.
First Minister Arlene Foster pictured at the Balmoral Show with Dorothy Randal and Mary Miller from Strabane.

13 May 2016 - Picture by Darren Kidd / Press Eye. First Minister Arlene Foster attended the final day of the Balmoral Show.
The First Minister visited the Pop Notch stand in the NI Food and Drink Pavilion and is pictured with Graham Neill and Michael Heaslip.

13 May 2016 - Picture by Darren Kidd / Press Eye. First Minister Arlene Foster attended the final day of the Balmoral Show.
The First Minister visited the Sea Source stand in the NI Food and Drink Pavilion and is pictured with Hal Dawson.

13 May 2016 - Picture by Darren Kidd / Press Eye. First Minister Arlene Foster attended the final day of the Balmoral Show.
The First Minister visited the Sea Source stand in the NI Food and Drink Pavilion and is pictured with Hal Dawson and Simon Hamilton MLA.

13 May 2016 - Picture by Darren Kidd / Press Eye. First Minister Arlene Foster attended the final day of the Balmoral Show.
The First Minister visited the Sea Source stand in the NI Food and Drink Pavilion and is pictured with Hal Dawson and Simon Hamilton MLA.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 13th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the final at the day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank
Picture by / Press Eye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 13th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the final at the day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank
Picture by / Press Eye

Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the second of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn. Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank
Picture by Freddie Parkinson /Press Eye

Paul Mills and daughter Katie

All the fun of the fair as one of the biggest events on the farming calendar takes place on it's second day Thursday the 12th of May at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park near Lisburn, Co Antrim. The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS)s annual show is 10% larger than last year. Picture Mark Marlow/pacemaker press

Alison McCullagh and daughter Amber

Leah Graham

James Stewart

A proud owner with his prize bull at the Balmoral Show

All the fun of the fair as one of the biggest events on the farming calendar takes place on it's second day Thursday the 12th of May at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park near Lisburn, Co Antrim. The Royal Ulster Agricultural Society (RUAS)s annual show is 10% larger than last year. Picture Mark Marlow/Pacemaker Press

Liam Devlin, Lucy Steele and Alan Lawrence from Cookstown enjoying an ice cream at the Maze

Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the
first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank
Picture by Freddie Parkinson /Press Eye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 12th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the
first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank
Picture by Freddie Parkinson /Press Eye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 12th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the
first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank
Picture by Freddie Parkinson /Press Eye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 12th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the
first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank
Picture by Freddie Parkinson /Press Eye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 12th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the
first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank
Picture by Freddie Parkinson /Press Eye
Chloe Burgess, Catherine Cleland and Claire Montgomery from Glastry Farm Ice Cream

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 12th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the
first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank
Picture by Freddie Parkinson /Press Eye
Clare Stone from Foodie Folk

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 12th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the
first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank
Picture by Freddie Parkinson /Press Eye
Tarna Moss (13) and Isaac Groves (5)

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 12th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the
first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank
Picture by Freddie Parkinson /Press Eye
Rhys Morrison and Daniel both 11 from Lisnaskea

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 12th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the
first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank
Picture by Freddie Parkinson /Press Eye
Jenifer Meeke and Pauline Crompton from Dromara.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 12th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the
first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank
Picture by Freddie Parkinson /Press Eye
Eleanor O'Neill from Clandeboye Estates

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 12th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the
first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank
Picture by Freddie Parkinson /Press Eye
Mark Henry from Ballymoney

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 12th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the
first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank
Picture by Freddie Parkinson /Press Eye
Sisters Grace (7) and Eva (5) Scott from Ballynahinch

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 12th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the
first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank
Picture by Freddie Parkinson /Press Eye
Raymond McFarland and Rayderjem Legend

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 12th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the
first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank
Picture by Freddie Parkinson /Press Eye
Lily Rose (1) and her Dad Robert Vance from Maguires Bridge

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 12th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the
first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank
Picture by Freddie Parkinson /Press Eye
Sophie Henry.

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 12th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the
first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank
Picture by Freddie Parkinson /Press Eye
Darcy Getty from Dromara celebrating her 4th Birthday

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 12th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the
first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank
Picture by Freddie Parkinson /Press Eye
Liam Devlin, Lusy Steele and Alan Lawrence from Cookstown

Michelle McLararnon from Cookstown enjoying the colour during the first day of the Balmoral Show

Emma McInnes preparing an Limousin Bull for competition during the first day of the Balmoral Show

Show Jumping

Aerial view of Balmoral Park during the first day of the Balmoral Show.

Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.

Jack Dunlop

Stefan Smyth pictured in the goat section ahead of the Balmoral Show in association with Ulster Bank. Pic Steven McAuley

Annie Spratt(7) From Crosgar checks out the life size Irish Moiled bull, the latest sculpture by the Ulster Folk & Transport Museums award winning willow sculptor and basket maker Bob Johnston. The sculpture was made especially for the museum stand at the Balmoral Show which also includes blacksmithing and basket making demonstrations. The Ulster Folk & Transport Museums Farm Manager, Robert Berry, said, The willow bull is the stands centrepiece and, of course, visitors are very welcome to get a photo with this fabulous sculpture. We hope visitors will enjoy our stand which focuses on Ulsters old farming traditions and practices.

Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Pacemaker Press 10/5/2016
Judging sheep at The opening day of the Balmoral Show at the Maze Site near Lisburn , Thousands of people attend The three-day extravaganza of farming, food and family fun celebrates many aspects of agricultural life.
Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 10/5/2016
Judging sheep at The opening day of the Balmoral Show at the Maze Site near Lisburn , Thousands of people attend The three-day extravaganza of farming, food and family fun celebrates many aspects of agricultural life.
Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Judith Baxter from Newtownstewart preparing Irish Moyle cattle for competition during the first day of the Balmoral Show.
Picture by Brian Little/Presseye

William Montgomery from Maghera feeding straw to a goat during the first day of the Balmoral Show.
Picture by Brian Little/Presseye

William McElroy and Eddie Mercer, aged 9, from Dromara preparing Ivaniskey Pedigree for competition during the first day of the Balmoral Show.
Picture by Brian Little/Presseye

@Press Eye Ltd Northern Ireland- 11 th May 2016
Mandatory Credit -Brian Little/Presseye
Emma McInnes preparing an Limousin Bull for competition during the first day of the Balmoral Show.
Picture by Brian Little/Presseye

@Press Eye Ltd Northern Ireland- 11 th May 2016
Mandatory Credit -Brian Little/Presseye
Lyndsey McAllister from Portadown with 'Nota' an Hereford calf preparing for competition during the first day of the Balmoral Show.
Picture by Brian Little/Presseye

@Press Eye Ltd Northern Ireland- 11 th May 2016
Mandatory Credit -Brian Little/Presseye
An Alpaca on show at Mourne Alpacas during the first day of the Balmoral Show.
Picture by Brian Little/Presseye

@Press Eye Ltd Northern Ireland- 11 th May 2016
Mandatory Credit -Brian Little/Presseye
Michelle McLararnon from Cookstown enjoying the colour during the first day of the Balmoral Show.
Picture by Brian Little/Presseye

@Press Eye Ltd Northern Ireland- 11 th May 2016
Mandatory Credit -Brian Little/Presseye
The Goat pens during the first day of the Balmoral Show.
Picture by Brian Little/Presseye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 11th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 11th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 11th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 11th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 11th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 11th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 11th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 11th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 11th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 11th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 11th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 11th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 11th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 11th May 2016
Balmoral Show 2016. Thousands to flock to agricultural extravaganza for the first of the three day show at Balmoral Park outside Lisburn.
Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Sean Blaney, wife Helen and sons Seanog and Rory launched a new division of their engineering business, Blaney Motor Company, during a VIP launch on Wednesday morning at Balmoral Show. Two new concepts wheel loaders were launched during the event.

Gemma McLaughlin from Ballymena gives a firm farmers wave to show off her new agri themed nails on the first day of Balmoral Show. Picture: Chris McCullough

Gareth Gault and Kirsty Ward from Grassmen launch their new website www.grassmen.com during the first day of Balmoral Show. Picture: Chris McCullough

Pacemaker Press 10/5/2016
The opening day of the Balmoral Show at the Maze Site near Lisburn , Thousands of people attend The three-day extravaganza of farming, food and family fun celebrates many aspects of agricultural life.
Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 10/5/2016
The opening day of the Balmoral Show at the Maze Site near Lisburn , Thousands of people attend The three-day extravaganza of farming, food and family fun celebrates many aspects of agricultural life.
Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 10/5/2016
Judging sheep at The opening day of the Balmoral Show at the Maze Site near Lisburn , Thousands of people attend The three-day extravaganza of farming, food and family fun celebrates many aspects of agricultural life.
Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 10/5/2016
Judging sheep at The opening day of the Balmoral Show at the Maze Site near Lisburn , Thousands of people attend The three-day extravaganza of farming, food and family fun celebrates many aspects of agricultural life.
Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 10/5/2016
Show Jumping at The opening day of the Balmoral Show at the Maze Site near Lisburn , Thousands of people attend The three-day extravaganza of farming, food and family fun celebrates many aspects of agricultural life.
Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 10/5/2016
Judging sheep at The opening day of the Balmoral Show at the Maze Site near Lisburn , Thousands of people attend The three-day extravaganza of farming, food and family fun celebrates many aspects of agricultural life.
Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 10/5/2016
The opening day of the Balmoral Show at the Maze Site near Lisburn , Thousands of people attend The three-day extravaganza of farming, food and family fun celebrates many aspects of agricultural life.
Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 10/5/2016
The opening day of the Balmoral Show at the Maze Site near Lisburn , Thousands of people attend The three-day extravaganza of farming, food and family fun celebrates many aspects of agricultural life.
Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 10/5/2016
Show Jumping at The opening day of the Balmoral Show at the Maze Site near Lisburn , Thousands of people attend The three-day extravaganza of farming, food and family fun celebrates many aspects of agricultural life.
Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Pacemaker Press 10/5/2016
Sheep sheering at The opening day of the Balmoral Show at the Maze Site near Lisburn , Thousands of people attend The three-day extravaganza of farming, food and family fun celebrates many aspects of agricultural life.
Pic Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker

Brothers Eddie, Sam & Matthew Mercer travel with Ruby the Hen and Louie the lamb to announce Translinks special bus, coach and train transport plans for this years Balmoral Show

Rhonda Geary from RUAS in the cattle halls in preperation for Balmoral Show in association with Ulster Bank.

Gary McClelland from Belcoo prepares cattle ahead of the Balmoral Show in association with Ulster Bank. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia

"It's showing people driving along the M1 where Balmoral Park is," he said.

"It is now a landmark, and people can't believe it is so close to the M1."

Mr McDonald admitted that a system of shuttle buses sharing a road with cars had not worked and would be reviewed by organisers.

"What the Balmoral Show really needs is the ability for the PSNI to create a one-way system, as the Garda Siochana in the Republic can and as police authorities in other parts of the UK can," he said.

"I think the success of the Balmoral Show means it has to be considered seriously."

Three days of glorious sunshine created the perfect recipe for a successful show, with many first-time visitors in evidence and lots of accents from south of the border.

There was plenty of fun in the park, including vigorous dancing at the award-winning Krazi Baker stand in the food pavilion, game visitors taking up the Edible Bug Challenge run by Harper Adams University, and lively music in the barn-like stall run by discount supermarket chain Lidl.

Children loved planting peas in the Edible Garden, creating fairy gardens at the Urban Gardener stand, and feeding baby animals in the petting farm.

A host of well-known faces also turned up, including many of the Ulster Rugby team, Olympic boxers Paddy Barnes and Michael Conlan, Northern Ireland goalkeeper Roy Carroll, and First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, who made several visits in between Programme for Government negotiations.

An enormously popular addition to the attraction this year was the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum stand, where blacksmith Gerald Monaghan wowed the crowds as he hammered out pokers and letter openers on a forge.

Bob Johnston also demonstrated the art of traditional basket weaving using willow grown at the Cultra site, and Valerie Wilson trimmed hats.

Countless visitors took selfies with the willow bull made by Gerald and Bob, and there was healthy competition to be the best at horseshoe throwing.

Belfast Telegraph

Related Content

Your Comments

COMMENT RULES: Comments that are judged to be defamatory, abusive or in bad taste are not acceptable and contributors who consistently fall below certain criteria will be permanently blacklisted. The moderator will not enter into debate with individual contributors and the moderator’s decision is final. It is Belfast Telegraph policy to close comments on court cases, tribunals and active legal investigations. We may also close comments on articles which are being targeted for abuse. Problems with commenting? customercare@belfasttelegraph.co.uk